Barnet previously served as chief plant operator in Sterling for 15 years. He also has served as the union steward in the Sterling District since 1990.

He began his career with Northern Illinois Water Corp. in 1977, holding positions in the field and as plant operator. He continued to work for Illinois American Water after the company’s acquisition of Northern Illinois Water Corp. in 2000. He is a certified Class B and C drinking water operator in Illinois, and is certified by the state Department of Public Health for specialized testing of water samples.